Hey there, dear friends! If you’re like me, you know how a warm dessert can turn a regular day into something special. Today, I’m excited to share my favorite comforting recipe: Pecan Pie Bread Pudding. This sweet treat combines the cozy flavors of pecan pie with the satisfying texture of bread pudding. It’s perfect for those busy weeknights when all you want is a little taste of home. So grab your apron, and let’s dive right in!
Why You’ll Love This Pecan Pie Bread Pudding
Imagine this: a rich pudding warm from the oven, studded with crunchy pecans and drizzled with a bit of cream. Does it get any better? This dish is not only easy to make, but it also fills your kitchen with a delicious aroma that makes everyone perk up and wonder what’s coming out of the oven. Plus, it’s great for gatherings or even just because it’s Tuesday! Trust me, once you try it, you may just keep it in regular rotation!
Ingredients
Let’s gather our star players! Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this delightful dish:
- 4 cups of day-old bread, cubed (the more rustic, the better!)
- 1 cup of pecans, chopped (or walnuts if you’re feeling adventurous)
- 3 large eggs
- 2 cups of milk (almond or oat milk works too!)
- 1 cup of heavy cream (coconut cream is a fabulous substitute)
- 1 cup of brown sugar (for that sweet, caramel flavor)
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract (the magic flavor!)
- 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon (for warmth)
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt (just a pinch)
- Optional: whipped cream or ice cream for serving (because why not?)
Steps to Success
Now, let’s get to the fun part—making our Pecan Pie Bread Pudding!
- Preheat Your Oven: Set that oven to a toasty 350°F (175°C) and show your baking dish a little love with some grease to prevent sticking.
- Combine Bread and Pecans: In a large bowl, toss your cubed bread and chopped pecans together like they’re old friends reuniting.
- Whisk Away: In another bowl, whisk together those eggs, milk, heavy cream, brown sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt until everything is getting along nicely.
- Soak It All In: Pour that luscious egg mixture over the bread and nuts, ensuring every piece gets properly soaked. We’re aiming for that delicious, custardy texture, folks!
- Let It Sit: Allow it to sit for about 10-15 minutes. This is your chance to tidy up or maybe sneak a bite of chocolate—no judgment here!
- Transfer to Dish: Move everything to your prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly.
- Bake to Perfection: Slip it into your preheated oven for 45-50 minutes. Look for that golden-brown top, and when you insert a knife, it should come out clean. You’re doing great!
- Cool Down: Take it out and let it cool for a bit—your patience will reward you when you dig in!
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve warm with a scoop of whipped cream or ice cream, if you really want to treat yourself!
Cooking Tips
- Day-Old Bread: Don’t let that day-old bread collect dust! It’s perfect for this recipe. If you find yourself with fresh bread, just leave it out overnight to dry out a bit.
- Pecan Alternatives: Don’t have pecans? Walnuts are a great substitute, or try a mix of both!
- Make-Ahead Magic: You can prepare this dish ahead of time. Just assemble it and pop it in the fridge overnight. Bake it fresh in the morning or for later in the week!
A Personal Touch
This delightful Pecan Pie Bread Pudding became an instant family favorite after I made it for a Sunday dinner. My kids went wild for it, and now it’s a regular at our holiday gatherings. It’s funny how a simple dessert can spark so much joy! Plus, it gives me an excuse to indulge a bit.
FAQs
Can I substitute any of the ingredients?
You bet! Feel free to swap the bread for gluten-free options or the heavy cream for coconut cream to keep it dairy-free.
How can I store leftovers?
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Just reheat gently in the oven or microwave.
There you have it—my take on Pecan Pie Bread Pudding! This recipe combines nostalgia with simplicity, making it perfect for anyone looking to bring a little warmth and sweetness into their home. Go ahead, treat yourself and your loved ones to this warm hug in dessert form. Happy baking, friends!
